Car Shopping

We woke up to a dreary day, it is very cold today and has been snowing for about 5 hours, it is very small flakes but since it has been snowing for so long it is collecting in the trees and on the ground.

We had to take our garbage to the recycle center today. Here in Japan they are very strict on waste disposal. You have to separate plastics, metals and paper.

Our neighbor picked us up and took us into town to look at cars. We found one I think we are going to get. It is a Toyota starlet, 4 wheel drive for Hokkaido weather, 5 door and will not need an inspection for 2 years which is very expensive here (about $600) every 2 years. It is an old car, but the people who are selling it are very trustworthy and respected by citizens of Shibinai. It costs $2000 and should be a good car for a starter vehicle in Japan.

After I get a job and start bringing in some money we can get more selective on a newer vehicle. Hopefully in a couple of more weeks we will have it, there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be done before we can drive it home.

After lunch we are going to a rice planting ceremony which is a important event for this farming community. The rice planting ceremony turned into a late night party, we started just talking and drinking coffee while the kids (6 in total) played. It eventually turned into drinking beer and then eating dinner with the family of about 16 of us in total. It was a great time and the people are so kind. We got home late and went to bed soon afterwards.